Dresser TD-8E Steering

[bldezyne]

Trying to figure out my steering issue and appreciate any help. This is I believe a 1978 model SN ends with 7301. Has the transmission with the short shaft, 5"+-, Revisor tube under the seat. Just changed the hydraulic fluid in the transmission yesterday. I will describe a typical run.
When I attempt to turn in either direction the dozer seems to make a slight lurch in that direction and only makes further incremental progress if the stick for the opposite direction is taped while still holding the stick for the desired direction. Incremintal being barely noticeable. There have been times however when steering seems to be perfect mostly on an incline but not always. Also losing power in the higher gears. first gear seems fine.

TY

 

[Jerry/MT]

Trying to figure out my steering issue and appreciate any help. This is I believe a 1978 model SN ends with 7301. Has the transmission with the short shaft, 5"+-, Revisor tube under the seat. Just changed the hydraulic fluid in the transmission yesterday. I will describe a typical run.
When I attempt to turn in either direction the dozer seems to make a slight lurch in that direction and only makes further incremental progress if the stick for the opposite direction is taped while still holding the stick for the desired direction. Incremintal being barely noticeable. There have been times however when steering seems to be perfect mostly on an incline but not always. Also losing power in the higher gears. first gear seems fine.

TY

You have the older transmission but I'm not sure that it is a TD8E if it's a 1978 machine. I would think it was a TD8C but I'm not sure.
Your machine has the older transmission version. You can get a CD of the service manuals for the older models or get hard copies on ebay. You can also get the operator's manual that tells you how to do routine maintenance. They have instructions for pressure testing and adjustments for the steering system.

Did you clean the suction filter and replace the high pressure filter for the tranny before you changed the fluid? I would do that and see if that's the problem.
I strongly recommend you get the manuals I mentioned and do the pressure testing especially if you clean the suction filter and replace the high pressure filter and you still have the problem.

 

[bldezyne]

I'm positive it's an 8E or at least assume since that's what all the stickers say. Also have a operator/maintenance manual that came with but it's for SN 9501 and up. Ordering a service manual. Have to admit I did not change the filters and that's a little bit of an issue since I have the new fluid installed. Dumb move. I was hoping someone might give me some direction based on their own experience. Know what the 3/4 stud with jamb nut behind the right drive sprocket adjusts?

TY

 

[Jerry/MT]

You have the wrong operators manual since your serial number ends in 7301. If your suction filter is restricted, it might be the cause of your problem. I think you can change the high pressure filter (in the left side compartment near the battery) without draining the transmission fluid but I think you'll have to drain the fluid to change to get to the suction screen to clean it. If you clean the suction screen and change out the high pressure filter and don't see an improvement, then you'll have to check the transmission pressures to see what the problem is and you'll need the correct manual and a pressure gauge to do that.
The "stud with the locknut" is the brake adjustment. It should be in the operator's manual that you have. under brake adjustment.

 

[bldezyne]

Thanks. I have ordered a service manual to match my serial number. Operators' manual is next on my list. Changing my filters soon, so I'm resigned to draining it down. With the problem seemingly disappearing at times, I'm hoping the fluids schematics will give me a clue to the problem. Thank you for your input.

 

[the tractior vet]

You have the older transmission but I'm not sure that it is a TD8E if it's a 1978 machine. I would think it was a TD8C but I'm not sure.
Your machine has the older transmission version. You can get a CD of the service manuals for the older models or get hard copies on ebay. You can also get the operator's manual that tells you how to do routine maintenance. They have instructions for pressure testing and adjustments for the steering system.

Did you clean the suction filter and replace the high pressure filter for the tranny before you changed the fluid? I would do that and see if that's the problem.
I strongly recommend you get the manuals I mentioned and do the pressure testing especially if you clean the suction filter and replace the high pressure filter and you still have the problem.

The E's were out in early 77 . How i know this cause the I H dealer Rish equipment was tryen real hard to peddle a couple TD 8 E's and a couple TD 15's on me . Back then i ran a oil field service company for a friend and we at the time had a J D 450 C and a new 750 Deere that was turning heads. Rish just brought out one of each and said try them. Ok we tried them i was not impressed . the T D 8 really had no getty up and go and the 450 C would out push and out pull. same with the T D 15 you were stuck with first gear pushen or pullen and i did not like the Carco winch . Ran them side by side .

 

[bldezyne]

This is a work in progress. Found a lot of pieces of brake shoe in the suction filter. Opened up the gear box cover and found one brake shoe gone and the other worn out. Clutch shoes are fine. I'm in the process of replacing the brake shoes now, not that big of a job so far. The brake hydraulic cylinders seals were shot too. Found they used about 3 versions of cylinders on the 8E, took some research and luck to get the right seals. The stationary brake adjusting screws had been turned almost completely in so they have to be backed out to get everything back where it should be. Once in, I can adjust the brake and clutch stationary shoe clearance to spec. They are frozen so I'm getting professional help with that. Looks like I'll be in for about $2,000 when I get done. No one probably cares, but I will make one more post on the outcome.
Thanks everyone

 

[Dennis K (WA)]

We do care. So many that post a question and then get some answers or thoughts never come back to pass on the results. I did not respond to your question because I did not have any help to provide. Sometimes I wonder why try to help, when we never hear the out come? Please let us know the end result. TD8E is/was a great small dozer. thanks for the update.
Dennis

 

[Jerry/MT]

This is a work in progress. Found a lot of pieces of brake shoe in the suction filter. Opened up the gear box cover and found one brake shoe gone and the other worn out. Clutch shoes are fine. I'm in the process of replacing the brake shoes now, not that big of a job so far. The brake hydraulic cylinders seals were shot too. Found they used about 3 versions of cylinders on the 8E, took some research and luck to get the right seals. The stationary brake adjusting screws had been turned almost completely in so they have to be backed out to get everything back where it should be. Once in, I can adjust the brake and clutch stationary shoe clearance to spec. They are frozen so I'm getting professional help with that. Looks like I'll be in for about $2,000 when I get done. No one probably cares, but I will make one more post on the outcome.
Thanks everyone

Thanks for letting us know what you found. Hope you are up and running soon!

 

[Jerry/MT]

You have the wrong operators manual since your serial number ends in 7301. If your suction filter is restricted, it might be the cause of your problem. I think you can change the high pressure filter (in the left side compartment near the battery) without draining the transmission fluid but I think you'll have to drain the fluid to change to get to the suction screen to clean it. If you clean the suction screen and change out the high pressure filter and don't see an improvement, then you'll have to check the transmission pressures to see what the problem is and you'll need the correct manual and a pressure gauge to do that.
The "stud with the locknut" is the brake adjustment. It should be in the operator's manual that you have. under brake adjustment.

I just cleaned my suction screen and it does not require draining the transmission fluid. If you go to the International Harvester forum (ttps://www.redpowermagazine.com/forums/topic/64531-ih-construction-equipment-serial-numbers-engine-xrefs/), you can look up your model by serial number.